Ways and Means

By Daniel Lefferts

Book Overview

LONG-LISTED FOR THE CENTER FOR FICTION FIRST NOVEL PRIZE

"An absolute riot... Lefferts's wry examination of the societal and economic shifts that led to the once unthinkable hits incredibly close to home." --Vanity Fair

Alistair McCabe arrives in New York with a plan. Young, handsome, intelligent, and gay, he hopes to escape his Rust Belt poverty and give his mother a better life by pursuing a career in high finance.

But by the spring of 2016, Alistair's plan has completely come undone:

Mired in student debt, his dream investment banking career has eluded him.Desperate for a way out, he enters the orbit of an enigmatic billionaire whose true ambitions turn out to be far darker than Alistair could have ever imagined.A searing debut about a striving finance student, the fine line between ambition and greed, and the disordered politics of our era, Ways and Means is a propulsive literary thriller about money, power, and the cost of American success.

Praise for Ways and Means

"An auspicious debut . . . a wildly entertaining drama of ambition and consequence." --Wall Street Journal

"A sexy political thriller." --Washington Post

• Format: Hardcover
• Language: English
• ISBN: 1419768190
• ISBN13: 9781419768194
• Release Date: February 2024
• Publisher: Harry N. Abrams
• Length: 400 Pages
• Weight: 1.44 lbs.
• Dimensions: 1.4" x 6.3" x 9.1"

Customer Reviews

A Thoughtful Exploration of the Cost of Wealth

Ways and Means by Daniel Lefferts is a brilliant and compelling novel exploring the pursuit of wealth and personal integrity. In an amoral, turbocharged economy, the perception that money equates to security drives the characters, even as an internal sense of right and wrong hums beneath the surface. Lefferts' characters, primarily young, navigate life with limited options, feeling compelled to chase and hold wealth at the expense of their humanity. This relentless pursuit reflects the struggles of a generation caught in the quest for financial stability, blurring the lines between ambition and moral compromise. The author’s keen insight into their internal conflicts and societal pressures makes for a captivating read. Trouble arises when these characters begin to entertain ideals that challenge their acceptance of the status quo. Lefferts skillfully portrays this shift, highlighting the tension between financial security and personal values. The narrative poignantly comments on modern life's complexities and the ethical dilemmas tied to the pursuit of success. Ways and Means is an excellent commentary on contemporary times, offering a thought-provoking examination of wealth's cost and integrity's importance. Lefferts’ nuanced storytelling and well-drawn characters make this novel a must-read for those interested in the moral questions defining our era.